Repair 1972 Omega Constellation

[Saline1]

Will replacement of the hands and face of this watch reduce its value? Rusted hands and face with deteriorated tritium markers.

[DLRIDES]

Yes, greatly. Professional vintage watch restorers can fix them right up, but I don't know if the watch's worth will justify that great of an expenditure. ???????

[Saline1]

Thank you. You confirmed what I thought. The watch has sentimental value since I purchased it in Geneva in 1972. Best Wishes.

[Steven Andrew]

I took my vintage into an Omega AD last week for a quote to service, clean the dial and replace the bracelet. They phoned yesterday with the quote. Here is the break down of what the watch maker said was required.
New glass and gaskets £120
Service £195
New hands £65
New bracelet £300

At nearly £700 I declined and collected the watch today. I am currently bidding on a bracelet on eBay and looking for a good independent watchmaker in my area where I hope I can start a good relationship with as I can't justify that cost on the watch.

[Saline1]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I now also seeking an independent watch repair shop and will perform a "working" restoration of my Omega. The factory quote for a cleaning, face replacement, crystal replacement and several other part replacement was USD 1,200. Too much for me.

[bigjon]

I bet if you clean the dial and replace the crystal the top will look fine. I don't think you need to replace the face

[FTX I]

It came originally with a few different dials & hands. If you replace the hands the value will stay more or less the same IMHO. A restored dial is a different story. Here you can see two examples.

https://watchestobuy.com/shop/omega-...n-sleek-watch/

http://awco.nl/winkel/vintage-collec...n-ref-168-0044

[Saline1]

Thank you both for your advice. I will ask the watch repair shop to clean the face and replace the hands. I would like to keep the original patina of the watch.

[swils8610]

Reach out to Al Archer. I'm assuming he's still around. He will restore that beautifully.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[sensui]

Never even think about using Omega for vintage pieces...no communication directly with the watchmaker and no one accountable for expectations...not to mention they do as they please with polishing and replacing parts. You're on the right track finding a reputable independent...Al Archer mentioned above is stellar in reputation but has a long queue. My local watchmaker that's cw21 takes care of all my rolex and omega vintage or modern and he's been doing this for many decades. Check out D's Time Service and talk to Tom Doan...they take mail in work also. Good luck restoring that beauty.

[Saline1]

All great advise!!! Thank you